Dear colleagues and friends,
As we continue to adjust to the enormous impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on our society, our economy, and our everyday lives, Sanford Burnham Prebys is harnessing its resources and expertise to be part of the solution—to accelerate progress in understanding the SARS-CoV-2 virus and identify new treatment avenues.
Sumit Chanda, Ph.D., and a team of international collaborators have screened more than 12,000 existing drugs to find those that hold promise to fight SARS-CoV-2. His dedicated team has worked tirelessly to narrow a list of candidates that—because of prior safety testing—could reach patients faster than new drugs created from scratch.
In addition, Evan Snyder, M.D., Ph.D., is studying lung organoids—3D structures that replicate human lungs—to answer important questions such as why some people are more susceptible to COVID-19 than others.
I look forward to sharing further updates on our progress on COVID-19 as well as the many other debilitating diseases we study at our Institute.
We thank you for your continued support during these challenging times and hope you and your families remain safe and well.
Kristiina Vuori, M.D., Ph.D.
President
Pauline and Stanley Foster Presidential Chair
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Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists identify 30 existing drugs that could treat COVID-19
Sumit Chanda, Ph.D., and his team have identified 30 existing drugs that stop the replication of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19—including four that hold near-term promise. Because these drugs have already undergone extensive safety testing for other uses, they have the potential to reach COVID-19 patients much faster than new drugs created from scratch.
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Using “mini lungs” to understand why COVID-19 is deadly for some
To understand why the novel coronavirus makes some people gravely ill while others have no symptoms, stem cell expert Evan Snyder, M.D., Ph.D., is turning to lung organoids—3D structures that replicate human lungs. The research may help identify individuals at the highest risk of severe COVID-19.
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Meet the scientists on the front lines of the novel coronavirus
Laura Riva, Ph.D., and Laura Martin-Sancho, Ph.D., two postdoctoral researchers in the Chanda lab, have special training that allows them to work with SARS-CoV-2. They share what it's like to wear the necessary protective gear and what motivates them to work tirelessly to try to find an effective drug for COVID-19.
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Pancreatic cancer blocked by disrupting cellular pH balance
Cosimo Commisso, Ph.D., has found a new way to kill pancreatic cancer cells. His research, published in
Cancer Discovery, shows that depleting an ion transport protein lowers cellular pH to a point that compromises pancreatic cancer cell growth. The findings point to interfering with cellular pH as a possible therapeutic avenue for treating one of the deadliest cancers.
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Rett Syndrome Foundation funds a potential cure
Jing Crystal Zhao, Ph.D., has received funding from the Rett Syndrome Foundation to find ways to reverse the changes in a gene that causes Rett syndrome—a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs mostly in girls and causes severe impairments in almost all aspects of a child’s life. The research may lead to treatments that help individuals regain the skills and abilities lost due to this debilitating disease.
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Join us for a conversation with scientists leading the fight against COVID-19
Sumit Chanda, Ph.D., and Evan Snyder, M.D., Ph.D., will discuss the current state of the pandemic, promising therapies and how scientists are paving the way to the future. This free virtual event will take place via Facebook Live on Wednesday, May 6, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. PDT.
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Inside San Diego's amazing race to a potential COVID-19 treatment
Join researchers from Sanford Burnham Prebys as they share how they're using "mini lungs" to better understand COVID¬19’s effect on the lungs. This free online discussion, hosted by the Fleet Science Center, takes place on Tuesday, May 26, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. PDT and will be recorded.
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All Things Considered reports on the drugs being developed and tested to fight COVID-19, including the efforts of Sumit Chanda, Ph.D.
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Read about the potential COVID-19 treatments researchers are excited about, including the work of Sumit Chanda, Ph.D.
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Ten San Diego scientists, including Sumit Chanda, Ph.D., share how they're tackling COVID-19 and the moment they realized the virus was going to cause a crisis.
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Step inside the lab where Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists uncovered 30 promising treatments for COVID-19.
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A survey conducted by researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys and UC San Diego shows that only a small portion of labs that could test for coronavirus in the U.S. are in fact doing so.
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The top biotech publication reports on Sumit Chanda’s results from his search for known drugs that could be deployed against COVID-19.
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Accelerate our COVID-19 research
Only research will allow scientists to understand and stop COVID-19 and help us protect ourselves and our loved ones from viral pandemics. We are hopeful that our work will emerge as part of the larger solution to this global health crisis. To accelerate our research efforts, please consider making a donation.
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